Buying from a locally owned business is a good idea. Not only is parking easier and the crowds more manageable, but independent stores often carry unique items that you’re not likely to find at a national chain. Plus, when you shop local, you’re investing in our community and acknowledging the retailers who are working to make the Valley a one-of-a-kind place to live. Here are seven local shops, described in detail, where you’re bound to find the perfect presents you’ve been hoping for. Store hours vary, so best to check before venturing out.

When passing by Tiffany’s in Scottsdale Fashion Square you’ll notice window displays of everyday items redesigned in the iconic “Tiffany blue,” jewelry modeled by stars such as Lady Gaga and Elle Fanning and versions from the newest collection, Paper Flowers, which unexpectedly pair diamonds with mirror-polished pieces of platinum. For these updates, we tip our hat to Reed Krakoff. Just 18 months on the job as chief artistic officer, the former creative director of Coach and eponymous fashion line, is reinterpreting Tiffany’s distinguished tradition to reflect modern sensibilities.

Whether you’re simply freshening up your space with a new piece of furniture or giving it a full makeover, shopping for your home isn’t always easy – especially online. However, in the digital age of décor, the interior design world is stepping up its game with e-commerce outlets where you can find the big, small, unique and everything in between. Whether you’re wanting wallpaper for an entryway, a striking accessory for a bookcase shelf or trying to create an entirely new living room, here are five home décor sites to help you style your dream home.

New tech gadgets are being developed, tested and marketed at such a rate that that the average consumer can hardly keep up. Wanting to learn which items are popular, we checked with Connie Chen from the Business Insider. “Generally, it looks like shoppers care about security, car accessories, music speakers and keeping their phones charged,” says Chen. Add sleeping and writing to that list and you have the gadgets that Amazon’s Movers & Shakers have tracked as the top ten tech purchases. All are available at www.amazon.com

Upon entering Cummings Great Hall on January 30 for the Independent Woman Luncheon 2018, attendees were awe struck. The 60 tables, each created by local designers, floral designers and design sources, were a feast for the eyes.

Buying from a locally owned business is a good idea. Not only is parking easier and the crowds more manageable, but independent stores often carry unique items that you’re not likely to find at a national chain. Plus, when you shop local, you’re investing in our community and acknowledging the retailers who are working to make the Valley a one-of-a-kind place to live. Here are five local shops described in detail, plus a sidebar of others, where you’re bound to find the perfect presents you’ve been hoping for. Store hours vary, so best to check before venturing out.

When it comes to Christmas, no city does it better than New York. During the holiday season, the town sparkles and everything seems magical. Window shopping is irresistible with displays that are a testament to the creative vision and painstaking effort put forth by retailers. Here are some of the engaging examples now on view.

The Independent Woman Luncheon has become one of the premier philanthropic events in the Valley, celebrating the contributions of creative, successful women as they support the arts and educational programming at Phoenix Art Museum. In years past, the event has featured high profile speakers like interior design legend Alexa Hampton, HGTV star Sarah Richardson and tastemaker Carolyne Roehm.

It’s a common tale told by homeowners living in areas punctuated by dramatic terrain. When asked what drove the decision to purchase a particular property, they respond “the views.” And that is just what happened when a couple checked out this residence in 2012. In the market for a larger second home and nature lovers, they were immediately captivated by the lot’s expansive views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains.